Meet the artist…
Hi, I’m Julia.
Wish this photo was taken in my garden, but it wasn’t. Actually, this visit to the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park inspired me to plant an Azalea… the dream and the reality is very different though.
What’s with the name ‘Wolsey Close Designs’?
I have been making personalised, hand-made birthday cards for my family and close friends for most of my life. About 10 years ago I started scribbling a little ‘logo’ on the back of each card with my address, as a way of showing it was made by me.
You know that friend…
… who takes photos of EVERYTHING and makes you stand in the freezing cold until it’s perfect? I’m afraid that’s me, and it’s always been me. Way before Instagram…I’d rush upstairs to grab my analogue camera to snap what my Mum had just cooked. Not having anywhere to post it, just appreciating something created.
Creating characters…
…it’s something I’ve always done. Imagining characters when I was young; and since I could write, illustrating my own stories.
I love collaboration and helping others bring their own characters to life.
Colourful cards…
These cards were commissioned for twin girls (‘M’ and ‘K’).
As you can see I’m obsessed with colour which I feel is my niche in the greetings card market.
Sharing my faith…
Being able to share my Christian faith is important to me.
I design cards for Christian festivals that are a delight to give and receive regardless of religious background.
The cards have Bible verses or quotes from famous hymns that reinforce biblical truth, either as part of the design or on the back.
As I grow my small business…
…I am supporting charities with at least 10% of profit made (please see my Instagram or my Facebook page for up to date information on charities I am currently promoting).
Charities I supported in 2021 (click on images for their websites):
… I am choosing eco-friendly products from UK based suppliers and making sustainable decisions where possible.
My go-to printers are Pennybatch Gallery (click on image for their website), with certificates for sustainable forestation and woodland creation projects in the UK.
This is one of their certificates (click on image to read more on the Forest Stewardship Council website)
I also get my biodegradable bags from them.
…I am partnering with Teemill (an eco-friendly company) to print my designs on their products.
Please see my store on Teemill for all my designs on items such as t-shirts, hoodies, prints, mugs and jigsaws.
Teemill’s ethos is all about circular economy (zero waste) as they print on demand and recycle old products back into their production line. They limit wastewater by using a closed-loop system and all their products are vegan (click on the image for their website).